Early Head Start

Burke County Public Schools Early Head Start
Ongoing Recruitment

The Early Head Start (EHS) program is for low-income infants, toddlers, pregnant women and their families. EHS programs enhance children's physical, social, emotional, and intellectual development; assist pregnant women to access comprehensive prenatal and postpartum care; support parents' efforts to fulfill their parental roles; and help parents move toward self-sufficiency.

All Children 8 weeks to 3 years old are encouraged to apply for enrollment including children with special needs.

Applications will be accepted

Monday—Friday

The following documents are required for enrollment:

· Birth

Birth Certificate or

Birth Record from the Hospital

· Proof of Residency

(Electricity, Water, or Phone bill)

· Verification of Income

W-2 (Last Year)	Cash Assistance (TANF)
DOL Statement (Department of Labor)	WIC Voucher
SSI (Award Letter)	Child Support
Veteran's Benefits

The community-based Early Head Start programs are based on a foundation of nine principles:

High Quality: A commitment to high quality means that programs will develop policies and practices that are founded in the knowledge, skills, and professional ethics embraced by the fields of child development, family development, and community building.
Prevention and Promotion: The proactive promotion of healthy child development and family functioning begins before conception, and continues prenatally, upon birth, and through the early years.
Positive Relationships and Continuity: Strong positive relationships that continue over time are key elements in a high quality program. These relationships include the child, family, and staff, and recognize the parent-child bond as the child's most significant relationship.
Parent Involvement: The Early Head Start initiative supports the highest level of parent involvement and partnership. Programs will make a special effort to support the role of fathers in parenting activities.
Inclusion: Programs will welcome and fully include children with disabilities. The individual needs of each child will be evaluated and responded to in a way that builds upon individual strengths.
Culture: The home culture and language of each family will be supported as an important aspect of early identity formation. Programs will also explore the role of culture and language in child and family development, and community values and attitudes.
Comprehensiveness, Flexibility, Responsiveness, and Intensity: Program services are grounded in the belief that all families can identify their own needs and strengths, set their own goals, and are capable of growth.
Transitions: Programs are responsible for facilitating a smooth transition from Early Head Start into Head Start or other high quality programs and support services.
Collaboration: Collaboration with local community agencies and service providers will maximize the resources available to families with young children in a cost-efficient and comprehensive manner.

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